India’s GS Lakshmi becomes first woman to be ICC match referee

Dubai: India’s GS Lakshmi has become the first woman to be appointed to the ICC international panel of match referees. She will be eligible to officiate in international games with immediate effect

51-year-old Lakshmi, who first officiated as a match referee in women’s domestic cricket in 2008-09, has overseen three women’s ODI matches and three women’s T20 International matches.

“To be selected in the international panel by the ICC is a huge honour for me as it opens up new avenues,” Lakshmi said.

“I have had a long career as a cricketer in India and also as a Match Referee. I hope to put my experience both as a player and as a match official to good use on the international circuit,” she added.

Earlier this month, Australia’s Claire Polosak became the first ever woman umpire to stand in a men’s ODI. She officiated in the WCL Division 2 final between Namibia and Oman.

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